What’s that in the sky? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it superman? Nope, it’s a drone. Drones have really taken off in popularity in the last couple of years and there are now hundreds of different types to choose from.
But how do you know which one is perfect for someone looking to get into flying and which is the perfect upgrade for the pilot in the family looking to step up to the next model? We’ve got some suggestions for you below.
1 – DJI Tello Drone
This tiny little pocket-sized drone has a 5-megapixel camera and can perform acrobatic manoeuvres with the press of a button. The Tello can be controlled in real-time direct from a smartphone and launches from the palm of your hand.
- Captures 5 Megapixel Stills and HD Video
- Performs Impressive Aerobatics
- Up to 100m Control Range with Smartphone App
- Built-in Electronic Image Stabilisation
- DJI Powered Flight Controller & Intel Processor
- Up to 13 Minutes Flying Time
- Programmable via Scratch Coding Tool
2 – Parrot Mambo Mini Drone FPV
With impressive agility and speed the Parrot Mambo Mini-Drone includes a headset so you can see a first-person-view while flying the aircraft. Just connect your phone and use the controller to pilot your way around obstacles and perform acrobatic moves. The drone even allows you to replace the camera with extra accessories like the Mambo Cannon or Grabber tool.
- Streams 720p Video to Smartphone
- Immersive FPV with Cockpit Glasses
- 3 Progressive Flying Modes
- Ultra-Light, Agile and Fast
- Auto Pilot System for Easy Flying
- Control by Smartphone App or Flypad Remote Transmitter
- Up to 10 Minutes Flying Time
- Interchangeable Accessory System
One of DJI’s most popular drones to date is the Spark. Able to be controlled by simple hand gestures the Spark is available in a choice of colours and weighs only 300g. It has a 2-axis stabilised gimbal and records Full HD video, 12-megapixel stills and is available in a “Fly More Combo” pack that includes a controller, an extra battery, spare propellers, propeller guards, a charging hub and a shoulder bag.
- Ultra-Portable Mini Drone Design
- 2-Axis Stabilised Gimbal
- Full HD Video and 12-megapixel Still Images
- Easy Editing & Sharing via DJI GO 4 App
- TapFly, Active Track & Gesture Control
- Sensing System for Obstacle Avoidance
- 50kph Flying Speed in Sports Mode
- Up to 16 minutes of Flight Time
- Fly More Combo includes Remote Controller, Extra Battery, Extra Props, Prop Guards, Charging Hub, Shoulder Bag
4 – DJI Mavic Air Fly More Combo
Boasting a super-compact folding design, the DJI Mavic Air is the perfect upgrade for someone looking to start shooting 4K. It introduces intelligent flight modes like ActiveTrack and QuickShots that make it even easier to capture great looking aerial shots. It has a lightweight 3-axis gimbal, captures slow-motion Full HD video at 120fps and has a 3 directional Environment Sensing System that keeps it airborne and away from obstacles.
- 3-Axis Gimbal and 4K Camera
- 32 MP Sphere Panoramas
- SmartCapture Capability
- 3-Directional Environment Sensing Technology
- 21 Minute Flight Time
- Maximum 4km Transmission Distance
- 8GB Internal Drive and MicroSD Card Compatibility
- Foldable and Portable Design
- Includes extra propellers, batteries and a range of other accessories
5 – DJI Mavic 2 Pro
One of the most sought-after drones to be released this year has to be the DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Built on the success of the hugely popular Mavic it offers a dramatically improved camera system designed in partnership with Hasselblad. With an adjustable aperture, 10-bit video and a flat colour profile the difference between the old and the new are very noticeable. It also delivers a massive 8km transmission range, Full HD live stream for piloting and an omni-directional obstacle detection not to mention a host of new flight modes to take your aerial film-making to new heights.
- Hasselblad Camera with a 3-Axis Gimbal
- 20-Megapixel 1-inch CMOS Sensor
- Adjustable Aperture Range of f/2.8- f/11
- 10 Bit DLog-M Colour Profile & HDR
- 72km/h Top Speed & 31min Flight Time
- OcuSync 2.0 System with 8km Transmission Range
- Omni-directional Obstacle Sensing
- Active Track & Waypoint 2.0, Asteroid Flight Modes + more
This list is only a quick taste of some of the newest and most note-worthy drones available, but this list is by no means comprehensive.
Check out the drone section on our website to see the whole range of drones that we carry and if you have any questions you can always contact the DCW team to find out more.